Unipower duo flies into action • Unipower has developed a pair of high-power airfield emergency chassis.
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The 6x6 SNM6D and 4x4 SNN4D both have a cab/body width of 2.9m, which Unipower says is the maximum permitted for emergency highway use without prior approval.
Power comes from a rearmounted Detroit Diesel 8V92TA 12-litre vee-eight producing 529kW (709hp). A lower powered version delivering 436kW (584hp) is also available for 4x4 chassis.
Both engines drive through an Allison five-speed automatic gearbox: a CLT755 for higher powered models and an HT755 for lower powered versions.
The SNM6D has a GVVV of 34 tonnes and will carry 16,000 litres of liquid. The SNN4D has a GVW of 22 tonnes and takes 7,500 litres of liquid. On the 6x6 the front axle is rated at 11 tonnes with 11.5tonne axles on the rear bogie. Front and rear axles on the 4x4 chassis are rated at 11.5 tonnes.
Unipower claims a fully laden 0-80km/h (50mph) sprint time of 32sec for the SNM6D and just 20sec for the higher powered SNN4D.
Weight has been saved by opting for a vee-eight engine in preference to a vee-12. Because of the lighter engine Unipower has also been able to fit a lighter cooling pack, axles and transmission than would be needed with a vee12. Overall, says the company, the 6x6 chassis-cab weight has been shaved by 1.5 tonnes.
Large-footprint, high-flotation 24x20.5 tyres are used all round on both chassis to provide good rough-terrain performance without reducing the on-road speed rating.
Low-profile tyres and anti-lock braking are available as an option on both chassis; diff-locks are fitted as standard.
The chassis features 350mmdeep channel side-members, splayed outwards ahead of the rear axles. This allows the engine to be mounted lower and further forward in the chassis to improve weight distribution and stability Both vehicles use Unipower's four/five-seat crew cab with a central driving position.
Firefighting equipment includes Unipower's electronically controlled "pump-and-roll" power divider. This system supplies liquid to the monitors at a constant rate whether the vehicle is moving or stationary. Both chassis comply with the latest ICAO, NFPA, FAA and CAA emergency vehicle criteria.